Charlie Thomas' Blog

On Sunday, December 2nd, 2012, I had the pleasure of revealing our “Top 96 Songs Of The 1970’s.” We polled voters, motors, and freeloaders…scientists, paleontologists and pessimists…pretty much asked everyone we could find what they thought, and came up with a list that represented the tastes of the masses. As unscientific as it gets, but it was fun to play all 96 songs. Here’s the full list for your review (and debating). – Charlie T.

NASCAR racing season kicks off tomorrow (Saturday 4/7) at the All American Speedway...Placer Co Fairgrounds in Roseville. Gates at 4, racing at 5..looks like the weather will cooperate this weekend! Years ago, I had a chance to sit in as official videographer for a few races. Perched in a crow's nest above one of the turns, I felt like I was right ON TOP of the action..and it was exhilarating! You'll get a similar feel in the stands...4 divisions to check out. Lots o' fun for the kids...don't forget the earplugs! More info at www.allamericanspeedway.com (where the picture comes from).

It was 30 yrs ago this week that Randy Rhoads died..as the plane he was on-board crashed while it was buzzing Ozzy's tour bus. Then...25 yrs ago this month...Ozzy joined me in studio, as we played the just-released Tribute album in its entirety--on a turntable! I KNOW it was Ozzy, cuz he had O-Z-Z-Y tattooed on his knuckles. Ozzy expressed genuine sadness over the loss of such a talent as Randy, my fave Ozzy guitarist because of his classically inspired metal riffs. BUT...what I also felt from Oz..was a sincere sense of FAMILY as he chatted on about his 2 small kids...Jack & Kelly. SO..it was no surprise to ME that the Osbournes was such a strangely compelling TV show, some 20 yrs later. I wonder if the new cartoon the F*n Osbournes will have the same appeal??

Ran into these 4 ladies (& their male companions) at Shenandoah Vineyards last Saturday--during the Behind the Cellar Door event in Amador County. If you look CLOSELY, you'll see--besides their techni-color hair--each of them is wearing a vest made entirely of CORKS. Marvel at their handiwork--and the number of wine bottles that had to be EMPTIED to obtain those corks. Enjoyed spending some time with these folks, as WE emptied several more tasty bottles. Many wineries are now bottling their wines using screw-tops....but it JUST won't be the same--certainly when it comes to hand-made clothing.

Come sample some tasty beer with me..this Saturday at Cal Expo. You don't have to know the difference between an ale & a lager to enjoy one--but if ya WANT, you can learn a LOT about how MANY types of beer there are to enjoy... AND how many local breweries are making award winning nectar. There are actually TWO events there on Saturday--the Brewer's Showcase 12n-2:30p--with 20 local breweries..and the Capital Beerfest 3p-6:30p with almost 80 breweries represented. More info at www.sacramentobeerweek.com. Many other events are scheduled thruout the week, at local watering spots like Rubicon Brewing Co, River City Brewing,Yardhouse, Swabbies, etc. What a concept!--beer week. We should make it a national holiday. **Eagle at Cal Expo 2 - 4p Saturday**

This Thursday 12/1..stop by the Placer SPCA in Roseville for the Holiday Open House...anytime from 5:30 til 8 pm. It's free to get in...no RSVP required. Enjoy some refreshments...take a tour of the shelter...check out the silent auction & raffle. Info at www.placerspca.org. Pictured with Santa...Wanda, a sweet 3 yr old pit/terrier mix looking for a good forever home. Woof!

"Wanna play some fetch??" -Bonita is a sweet 2 yr old terrier/pit mix who LOVES to play. She's working hard on leash manners at the Center, and needs new pet parents willing to continue her positive training. Bonita would make a great addition to your family...but should be the only pet in her new forever home, with kids 12+. Find out more about Bonita at www.placerspca.org.

Santa is coming to the Placer SPCA in Roseville this Sat & Sun 11 a - 4 p. Great chance to get a holiday shot/Christmas card of your pet..maybe with the kids. No appointment necessary, dogs must be on a leash, cats in carriers. Pic prices very reasonable, proceeds benefit Placer SPCA. We woof! you a Merry Christmas. This shot is from last year's event.

Ozzy will be in Sac Friday night for a book-signing at Barnes & Noble on Arden.Â His new book is "Trust Me, I'm Dr. Ozzy"--and it reminded me of the afternoon I spent 0n-air with him in 1987.Â Note the TURNTABLEÂ tracking his vinyl album..the Randy Rhoads tribute.Â After chatting with the Prince of Darkness for a while--about the tragic loss of Randy..about his music--but also about his FAMILY life (his kids were basically toddlers at the time)...it occurred to me that here was a legendary rock god, fighting his demons, while also dealing with everyday family issues that all of us have encountered in our own family unit!Â --so, it was NO surprise to me when the Ozzy MTV reality show was such a curious hit.Â Â And it also won't surprise me if his book becomes a best-seller.Â The man has some stories to tell--even if you have a hard time UNDERSTANDING him when he tells them.